Scenes from Khao San

Bangkok is home to much that is bizarre. None more so than Khao San, the ubiquitous hang-out for multitudes of international travellers looking for a good time…and there are plenty of people promising to make sure you get a good time. I can live a long time before I need to see another old farang man clutching a bottle of Chang in one hand and a young Thai woman in the other.

Even discounting the sex tourism, there’s a lot not to love about the Khao San Road. Unless, that is, you enjoy being propositioned for sex shows, drugs, tuk-tuks, hand made suits, happy hours and fake sunglasses. There is a constant stream of purveyors of knock-off gear touting just about every commodity known to humankind.

That said, I loved wandering the streets surrounding Khao San Road. There are good restaurants, fabulous street food, fun bars and people watching to rival anywhere in the world. The mix of people is extraordinary. This is truly a global hub for travellers, old and young, backpackers and package holiday makers alike. The easy going vibe keeps things way more relaxed than on the Khao San Road, and it’s easy to pass a night or two soaking up one of Asia’s most surreal experiences.